Daniel in Germany writes:

"Hi Enrico,

Today, the rear differential (final drive) of my Ghibli died.

I have dismounted it, opened it and I must say that the bevel pinion is broken.

2 teeth are completly broken, 2 teeth have cracks in the ground. The bearings were good, but now, the metallic debris inside has destroyed the bearing surfaces (micro impressions).

You know that my car has been modified to Ghibli Open Cup specification, but not the differential. Perhaps the power was too strong for the bevel pinion.

Now my questions.

Is it possible to mount a later GT diff. (the large one from the cars 1995 to 1997) with the old propeller shaft and the old drive shaft assembly (only change the diff and the support) ???

Is it possible to mount the modified support of the GT diff. at the model 94 Chassis ??? Where can I get a new diff (GT or model 94), or the bearings, bevel pinion and the ring gear (model 94) for a reasonable price ???

Many thanks,

Daniel."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Ghibli Cup battery

"To my knowledge only two types of headlights were fitted to the Ghibli. The pre-ABS cars (1992-1994) had silver inserts and the ABS cars (1994-1998) had black insert.

Enrico."

Daniel in Sweden writes:

"Hi!

I have a problem that I need help with. Maybe you could post it on the web page. Car: Ghibli GT 2.0. The turbo pressure gauge needle seems to be turned a third of a turn CCW, that is it shows to little pressure, but the engine runs like it should.

When ignition is turned off the needle rests where it should.

Does the gauge get its signal electronically?

If so, is the pressure sensor that sends the signal the same as the one that sends input to the engine management system?

Regards,

Daniel."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Ghibli Cup battery

"Hi Daniel, I had a similar problem with mine.

The turbo pressure indicator is not electronic but operated from a small hose in the vacuum system which is also connected to the inlet manifold.

Erik in Norway writes:

"Hi Enrico,

I am looking for a Ghibli and was wondering about one thing: are there 2 or 3 different headlamps on these cars? I know the first ones had silver inserts and the later ones had black inserts, but are some others that have clear lenses (glass) too? I often see pics where it appears that the latest cars have lenses without the reflectors. Regards, Erik>"

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Ghibli Cup battery

"To my knowledge only two types of headlights were fitted to the Ghibli. The pre-ABS cars (1992-1994) had silver inserts and the ABS cars (1994-1998) had black insert.

Enrico."

Mark in the UK writes:

"Hi Enrico,

We corresponded a little while back about possible replacements for my Ghibli Cup wheels for London use and you were going to try the MIM wheels website - did you have any joy with information as my Italian was not up to the Microsoft messages!

As a further plea for help, do you know a part number for the battery in the 98 Ghibli Cup as all my local auto electricians deny all knowledge of things Maserati and I am sure that it must be a standard item fitted to other cars perhaps even Fiats! All best & I will get a photo of the car for the register!

Mark."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Ghibli Cup battery

"There doesn't appear to be any reference or part number for a battery in the Ghibli, Ghibli GT and Ghibli Cup parts manuals. I have fitted a Bosch 60 amp battery as shown in the photo.

Enrico."

Fabrice in France writes:

"Bonjour,

Congratulation for your excellent very complete site on Maserati.

Owner of a Maserati Ghibli 94 2.0 (65000 kms) and I have encountered 2 problems.

1st problem:

I have owned this Ghibli for only 10 days now and have covered only 400 kms. The other day I wanted to try out the acceleration form rest in the first four gears. I accelerated hard from standstill in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears (5500/6000 rpm). When in fourth the engine suddenly cut out at around 3000 rpm! In spite of the car still travelling and with 4th gear still engaged the engine would not re-start. All the warning lights on the instrument panel lit up just as they do when you switch on the ignition. I had to come to a complete stop! Once I had stopped, I switched on the ignition and I tried to start the car again and to my surprise the car started in the normal way as if nothing had happened and I continued on my way.

2nd problem:

From time to time, (several times by way). The 'CHECK CONTROL' warning light lights up for no apparent reason! The light goes out quickly when I alter my speed and the engine revs. It often lights up when I am at a low speed or when I coast along at low revs...

Does anybody have any ideas on what the problem may be?

Could somebody provide me a electric schematic diagram picture of the Ghibli?

Thank you for your assistance.

Fabrice."

Reply from Patrice:

Re: Ghibli problems

"Hi Enrico,

Hope you are fine!

I can see that Fabrice has somme problems with his Ghibli.

About the engien cut-off I have no special idea except maybe a bad contact somewhere in a fuse box or a relay (maybe Andy can help?).

About the "Check engine" warning, you know the answer!

I think you can also supply him with an electric diagram as you did for me (thanks to this documentation I could repair my tail lights, remember to inform Marcello next time you e-mail him).

Thanks again for the help.

Hope to see you soon in GB or France!

Best regards,

Patrice."

Jan in South Africa writes:

"Enrico,

It looks like the discs on my '96 GT are nearing the end of the line. I think they may be past minimum thickness as there is a severe grind/shudder under hard braking. The pads are still OK. Are there replacement discs (Brembo etc) available for this car? EBC apparently make a wide range of pads but no discs. Keep up the good work.

Kind Regards,

Jan."

Vangelis in Greece writes:

"Dear Friends,

Thank you for your response. There was an abnormal air intake due to a misplaced sealing ring (the rhomboid one, up to the head, the as we Greeks call it). We replaced the ring and sealed the head. No problem. I have also noticed a minor oil leakage from both oil blowers. From what I read in your site, it seems rather common. My mechanic insists to ignore it, as he hesitates to seal it or replace it. Would some simple grease help ?

Vangelis."

Oliver in Germany writes:

"Enrico,

Two contributions today, that is my personal record. Now, some months ago I dropped over a Greek Ghibli II Enthusiast's Page, unfortunately written in Greek language which I do not understand. Nevertheless I had a look on the pictures and there was one showing the steering column combination switches of the Ghibli, an arrow pointing towards it and the wording'Renault 5 commercial'. Now I wonder if these switches were sourced from the Renault parts bin? May be worth to check. Should make a tremendous price difference.

By the way, do you sell copies of the workshop manual CDs you mention sometimes? How much would they be? Thank you and keep on running this site.

Best regards,

Oliver."

Oliver in Germany writes:

"Hi Enrico,

I hope you are well. While flipping through your help pages I found the above question from Nick about the heavy click which effects voltage for a short moment.

I also noticed it shortly after buying my Ghibli and asked my dealer who claimed that all Ghiblis do this - it is the relay that starts the cooling fans and as the electric motors of the fans use a higher electric current when starting compared to the current when running for a while this in turn means a dip in voltage - and in the night in a slight dimming of the headlights.

Besides, my differential is leaking again; this time between the differential cooler and the differential itself. My dealer said this will be no big job (compared to the radial shaft seal last time) as the seal is just an elastic such as Hylomar.

Best regards,

Oliver>"

Vangelis in Greece writes:

"Dear Enrico,

I drive my 1997 Ghibli GT without problems.It has 85.000 kms and an engine rebuilt 5.000 km ago. Today, after a fast run, the idle became mad, presenting from 1500-2700 rpm. Even though,the car runs superbly, the turbo boost is ok etc.

It did that continously without normal intervals. After a while, not surprisingly, the check engine alarm lighted. I restart the engine, and the engine initially goes to 3.500 rpm bofore beginning the hickup motive again.

Any suggestions?

Vangelis."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Ghibli 'hichups'

"The best course of action here would be to read the fault code when the check engine light is on using the Maserati diagnostic tool.

Andy."

Alexander in Norway writes:

"Hi Enrico!

Thought I should just ask before I start seeking for what’s wrong with the Ghibli.

There is a pretty loud “shshsh” – sound from the differential when driving. The sound was not present before (or not that loud anyway), and the frequency seems to be progressive with the wheels spinning around. I have been told to change the oil, and I will do so, but I just can’t see why this should be a problem as the car has done about 1500 km since it was last serviced.

If you have any ideas or thoughts, they would be highly appreciated!

Regards,

Alexander."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Ghibli differential?

"You don't say what model Ghibli you have and therefore which differential you have fitted. If you have an early Biturbo type diff, then it could be you have diff bearing trouble but this is usually a whine, not a shshsh. If you have a late type diff, then you should not experience any problems apart from a waaah noise (!) when you turn slowly on corners. The shshsh is more likely to come from a wheel bearing? try driving on a straight road and waggling the steering. Does the noise change when the car goes from side to side? Yes would indicate a diff problem.

Andy."

Reply from Alexander:

Re: Ghibli MY94

"Hi Enrico!

Thank you for your help. I will try what Andy says. I would be much happier if it was just a wheel bearing that was 'kaput'!

Any way, the car is a MY94, with the Merak-style wheels, newer head lights, newer dashboard and Quattroporte mirrors.

I have attached a photo of Erik (the one who has a speedboat after his 222 4v) and me driving the Ghibli to Stockholm for a meeting with the Swedish club a few weeks ago. It was actually after this trip that the noise appeared.

Thank you again for your reply!

Regards,

Alexander."

Malcolm in the UK writes:

"I have visited your web site a number of times and thoroughly enjoyed the content. I thought you might be able through me a few pointers!

I have a 1995 Ghibli that the previous owner had cosmetic work carried out. However, the boot lid has rotted through from the inside along the rear edge and needs replacing. Do you know of any sources for this? Also as you might expect the rear wheel arches are bubbling through the filler, are you aware if there are any flitch plates available for these or does the repair have to be cut and shut?

Also I intend to drive down to Modena very soon just for the fun and to explore. Doubtless you could save me a lot of time and suggest a few 'must does'?

Many thanks in anticipation. Regards, Malcolm."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Ghibli body repairs

"Hi Malcolm,

For the boot lid you will need to find a used or new replacement as shown in the image below. Sources: Bill McGrath 0n 01438 832161, Meridien Modena on 02380 283404 or David Askew on 01455 202325.

For the wheel arches there are no flitch plates supplied by the factory, you will need to 'cut and shut' or replace the entire rear quarter panel as shown in the image below.

I will look into the 'must see' interests in Modena and let you know.

Hope this helps,

Enrico."

Enrico in the UK writes:

"Hi Ghibli owners,

I am often asked what the main difference is between driving a 2.0-litre Ghibli and a 2.8-litre Ghibli. Although the 2.0-litre produces more brake horsepower, this power is only available when the engine is revving above 3,500 rpm.

The 2.8-litre engine although producing some 30 bhp less than the 2.0-litre version, delivers its power lower down the rev range, at around 2,500 rpm.

The power curve graphs below illustrate my point. I have also added the Ghibli Cup graph to illustrate its power delivery.

Best regards,

Enrico."